Hi @Jenelle Abrams, that's great that you are reaching out for help.I think a wise thing will be to understand where you want to get and then reverse engineer that and decide how you are going to do that.If dealing with tenants is not your cup of tea (which is understandable), it doesn't mean that you can't buy a rental property, it's just mean that you probably should hire a property manager...

If so, the growth path might be your cup of tea.On the other hand, do you prefer a more relaxed experience with steady rewards and less excitement?

This post is not about people's opinions about LLC vs umbrella.Our intentions were to move into one unit and update the interior (paint, redo hardwood floors, replace carpet, replace light fixtures, renovate bathrooms and kitchen) while we were living in the unit.

Custom, weird plumbing fixture. 

I paid for labor in the cash I had and fixtures/supplies on credit cards where I knew exactly when the payoffs were and when they came close, opened another card and did a balance transfer.

We did a light interior remodel consisting of new light fixtures, a fireplace remodel, Rust-Oleum painted kitchen countertops (can not recommend this enough!)

Today(6 weeks from closing), I receive the song and dance email about a price increase on everything from framing to tile to drywall to appliance, mirrors and bathroom fixtures.

If that is your cup of tea great. 

Lots of fixtures that could leak and lots of places to accumulate water damage that tenants don't seem to notice or care about.

Our rehab included full demolition, electrical and plumbing work, drywall, paint, hardwood install, bathroom tile (floors, shower and backsplash), bathroom cabinets + countertops, new doors, new trim, kitchen cabinets + countertops, appliances and fixtures.